tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91700357487770964752018-03-05T09:35:24.973-08:00Full Time Etsy Crafters Teamfull time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-19765865279787740442012-10-10T08:33:00.000-07:002012-10-10T08:33:17.605-07:00Make Your Craft Pay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Helvetica Light"; panose-1:2 11 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-2147483473 1073750090 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-unhide:no; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --></style> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpXUT7J1A8U/UHWUJ9QBuvI/AAAAAAAAAII/dm1ozaOOXus/s1600/All+Craft+Cover+at+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpXUT7J1A8U/UHWUJ9QBuvI/AAAAAAAAAII/dm1ozaOOXus/s320/All+Craft+Cover+at+500.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">Making a living from your craft should be simple. You are talented and skilled at making beautiful and unique objects. You toil, sweat and pour your heart into them. Your hand-crafted objects should return the favor. They should provide you with the basic comforts of a good life. They should pay all your bills, your retirement and health benefits and future investments, travel and college funds for your kids. Is this too much to ask? Most definitely not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">Your craft can pay you, but you must do two things. First, you must make a simple plan. Second, you must adopt a simple daily practice. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">There are three elements to the daily practice. The first is to work on connecting with your people <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everyday</i> – whether it’s sending a handwritten note, working on a mailing or posting on Facebook. The second element is to seek new opportunities. You will take about 15 minutes each day to look for something that will enhance, change or grow your business. The third and final element of the daily practice will happen weekly- you will take about 1 hour to review your numbers and your plan. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">This daily practice eases you into a habit. Instead of waiting for that “one big call or email” you are making things happen for you. You are nurturing collaborations – whether they become fans, resources, or customers. You will need people to support your business. You are also seeking opportunities that fit your plan. If you like staying home and enjoy being on your own– you will look for opportunities that help you do exactly that. Finally, you are carefully tracking your numbers- which will turn your plan into real life experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">After nearly 10 years as full-time crafters Ben and I have developed some effective habits. We’ve made many mistakes over the years – but these habits have kept us on track. Our consistent effort to plan, keep in touch and always look for new opportunities is what has kept us growing our business year after year. I have no doubt that you can do it too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">How will you make a consistent effort to stay connected? What opportunities will you seek today?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">&nbsp;</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">If you’re interested in reading more about how to make your craft pay, consider my new ebook called, “<a href="http://www.thesteelfork.com/wordpress/all-craft-a-recipe-to-make-it-pay/">All Craft. A Recipe to Make it Pay</a>.” You can read more about planning and developing your daily practice. My husband Ben and I make <a href="http://www.gatskimetal.com/">metal sculptures and furniture</a> here in Pennsylvania. I am a certified Etsy Educator &amp; a member of the Full Time Etsy Crafters Team. Our Etsy shop is <a href="http://www.thesteelfork.etsy.com/" target="_blank">The Steel Fork.&nbsp;</a></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Light&quot;;">This post first appeared on <a href="http://www.handmadeinpa.net/2012/05/make-your-craft-pay/" target="_blank">Handmade in Pennsylvania</a>. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-54015451265177368932011-06-14T22:01:00.001-07:002011-06-14T22:11:38.566-07:00"How to be Successful on Etsy" by Prix Prix<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> <a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.236030511.jpg"><img style="width: 350px; height: 350px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.236030511.jpg" alt="" /></a></p><p> <em>FTEC member Laura (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prixprix">Prix Prix</a>) shares her Etsy Success tips with us today! Originally posted on<a href="http://prixprix.com/2011/06/how-to-be-successful-on-etsy/"> prix prix blog</a> on 6/13/11. </em></p><div class="entry"> <p> I get regular emails from folks who are just starting out on Etsy and want to know what the secret is to getting attention and sales in their shops. There is certainly no secret- it takes time and lots of work to build up a following. Luckily, there are a bunch of easy changes you can make to your shop, and strategies for promoting it, that will get your shop busy as quickly as possible. I figured out all of this through years of trial and error, and now you can skip repeating my mistakes and get ahead much more quickly.</p> <p> And now… the secret to selling a zillion of your handmade widgets on Etsy!</p> <h3> Photos</h3> <ul> <li> Awesome photos are vital for getting attention on Etsy. Pretty photos make it into Treasuries (member curated galleries of products), and great Treasuries are featured on Etsy’s front page, getting you tons of visibility. Also, blogs will feature nice photos. Your photos need to be edited in a program like Photoshop, Apple’s iPhoto, Picasa (Google’s free program) or Picnik on Flickr. Increase the contrast and the brightness until the photos pop more. Look through items featured on the front page and in treasuries, and also in catalogs, to get an idea of what types of photos and how much contrast works the best. I really can’t emphasize enough how vital really <em>amazing</em> photos are for having any success selling your beautiful handmade goods on the internet.</li> <li> Follow this simple tutorial on brightening photos: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/make/how-to-brighten-your-photos-with-paperama-2900/">http://www.etsy.com/storque/make/how-to-brighten-your-photos-with-paperama-2900/</a> There is no excuse for blurry, dark, overexposed, or bland looking photos when it is this easy to fix them! This is the single most important thing you can do for your shop today.</li> <li> In the longer term, getting a dedicated setup for photographing products is essential. A bright sunny corner with no distracting background items, for example, or even a large foamboard panel that you can set up in the background when you’re photographing. Avoid a busy background – the focus should be on your products. Different shops have their own style or background for photos. I use a white background, others might use wood or a textured background. Some use simple, attractively arranged props to enhance their photos. Here is my inspiration board for great product photography: <a href="http://pinterest.com/prixprix/product-photography/">http://pinterest.com/prixprix/product-photography/</a></li> <li> Keep in mind that for getting featured on Etsy, the product should look fantastic in the large main thumbnail version (when you view the shop in “gallery” mode). Play with interesting angles, pay attention to cropping (I like to crop all of my photos to be square – they seem to look best that way), make sure your colors and your lights/darks pop.</li> <li> If you have something meant to be worn or carried, think about working with a photographer friend to get some great, well lit model shots.</li> </ul> <h3> Descriptions &amp; Titles</h3> <ul> <li> Avoid super short descriptions, and break up text into multiple short paragraphs. Write in descriptive sentences. Talk about who would use your product and how. Are they perfect for busy moms on the go? People also like to hear the story of how it’s made. On Etsy, people are really buying the photo and the story of the item.</li> <li> Think about coming up with interesting product names or styles.</li> <li> Use lots of descriptive words in the title and the text, especially colors, patterns, seasonal references, styles/trends (eg nautical, geometric, neon, etc), and seasonal things (I like to mention that my items are great Father’s Day gifts, for example). People making Treasuries will search for these terms to fit with their themes, and you want your product to come up in those searches if it would fit.</li> <li> Always include the dimensions of the product. It’s a good idea to state the dimensions in both English and Metric for your customers abroad. Also include descriptive measurements, eg. if it’s a computer bag, what’s the biggest laptop that will fit?</li> <li> Be consistent with capitalization in your product titles. I prefer titles to be first-letters-capitalized, personally.</li> <li> Move a few important items from the Shop Policies to the bottom of the item description. Very few people read the policies. Mention in the item description if you take custom orders. Mention how the item is packaged and if it can be gift-wrapped. Tell people if it comes in other colors.</li> <li> Example: Moop has great, clear descriptions to give you a sense of what types of info to include: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69699738/the-paperback-in-red-waxed-canvas">http://www.etsy.com/listing/69699738/the-paperback-in-red-waxed-canvas</a> (I want that bag!)</li> <li> See if you can find a graphic designer friend to help create a great shop banner that includes both your shop name and an image of your products. I’d also use a great product photo for your shop avatar.</li> </ul> <h3> Strategy</h3> <ul> <li> Renew an item listing or list a new item at least once a day, at a time when people are generally awake. In general, don’t relist several at once. Listings get buried in Etsy searches very quickly.</li> <li> Be social! Add people to your “Circle” on Etsy. Add their items and shops as favorites. Create some lovely Treasuries of your own with a theme &amp; feature other peoples’ items.</li> <li> Join an active Etsy team. There are lots of active teams based on artistic medium, location, lifestyle, and more, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find a great one.</li> <li> Have <em>excellent</em> customer service. Use PayPal Shipping or Endicia to create shipping labels with tracking, and email the tracking info &amp; a friendly thank-you to the buyer when their item ships. Take responsibility if anything goes wrong, even if it’s entirely the fault of the Post Office. People really appreciate it and will be on your side (and maybe will even tell their friends about your shop). Try to respond to emails within a day – the sooner the better. (And if you do sign up for Endicia, please use my referral code- 741192 -in the “promo code” field, and you will give me a free month! Thanks! <a href="http://www.endicia.com/">http://www.endicia.com/</a>)</li> <li> Apply to a hip local craft fair. A very large percentage of my Etsy customers first found me at craft fairs. This is a great way to start word-of-mouth buzz about your products!</li> <li> After your photos and descriptions are made as awesome as possible, send a friendly email to a blogger who features work like yours. Target only blogs that are a great fit. Here is a fantastic article about how to do this: <a href="http://www.modishblog.com/biztips/2008/09/how-to-approach-blogs-and-get-them-to-write-about-you.html">http://www.modishblog.com/biztips/2008/09/how-to-approach-blogs-and-get-them-to-write-about-you.html</a> Blog features, even on smaller blogs, do a ton to increase traffic to your shop &amp; get you sales. Always send a nice brief thank you to anyone who features you.</li> </ul> <h3> Further Reading</h3> <p> Here are some resources that should fill in the rest:</p> <ul> <li> Get the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Craft-Inc-Creative-Hobby-Business/dp/0811858367">Craft, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco</a>.</li> <li> Join <a href="http://www.theswitchboards.com/">The Switchboards</a> – Forums for women in creative businesses. Search the archives, so much has already been discussed.</li> <li> Sign up for the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/mailinglist">Etsy Success emails</a> – full of helpful tips for your shop.</li> <li> Browse Etsy’s selling tutorials in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/the-etsy-seller-handbook-all-our-how-tos-about-selling-2383/">Etsy Seller’s Handbook</a>.</li> </ul> <p> OK, that should put you well on the path towards Etsy success and superstardom. Wishing you all the best!</p> <p> -Laura from Prix-Prix</p></div></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-54550196371116272962011-03-21T08:43:00.001-07:002011-03-21T08:47:11.280-07:00cherry blossoms and tulips<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><a href="http://images.postling.com/1/189/g_fullxfull.11381.jpg"><img src="http://images.postling.com/1/189/g_400xN.11381.jpg" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d8503c0edd96d91daebb162/cherry-blossoms-and-tulips?index=0"> team treasury</a> created by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/PhydeauxDesigns">Phydeaux</a>!</p></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-15773330085406440852010-07-13T03:06:00.000-07:002010-11-25T08:01:54.641-08:00Handmade Guide to Buying Yarn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.150936045.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.150936045.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />You've picked a pattern and have an image of a beautiful knit piece in your mind. Your needles are ready, and you can't wait for the kids to go to bed so that you can start. The only thing missing to start your new project is the perfect yarn.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I asked our lovely yarn spinners here at FTEC what makes handmade yarn great, good, or horrendous - I got a surprising answer. Nobody had a hard and fast rule about how to buy yarn online. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In fact, buying yarn, I was told, is an intensely personal experience. What makes one person love a type of yarn might make another hate it. Plus, the type of project will very much dictate the type of yarn. You certainly wouldn't want a scratchy blend that might be perfect for an afghan wrapped around your neck, now would you? On the other hand, some of the super soft artistic blends would bankrupt you if you made them into a full fledged afghan. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bobbi, from </span></span></span><span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kittygrrlz?ref=seller_info"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kittygrrlz</span></span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> hand spun yarn also had a few suggestions. She said that "</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the cost of handspun isn't really conducive to large projects - I think of it as a luxury for small projects or to be an added accent to a larger piece, but I've also had people use it for large projects." </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;font-family:Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So then, how do you buy it online? Well, like anything else you would buy online, look for a reputable seller with positive feedback. Looking over a seller's previous feedback is perhaps one of the best ways to get a feel for how past customers appreciated the yarn. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Look for yarn that has been professionally dyed (not with some alternative dyes as they can run), and sellers that use only the best suppliers for their fiber. And finally</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;font-family:Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, i</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">f you want to know about the yarn, simply ask the spinner! If it really is hand spun by that seller, they will be able to answer all of your questions.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Photo courtesy of Kittygrrlz Hand Spun Yarn. You can visit her store </span></span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kittygrrlz"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.etsy.com/shop/kittygrrlz</span></span></span></a></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Article by </span></span></span><span><a href="http://www.bsartstudio.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BS Art Studio</span></span></span></a></span></div>Shelby Dillonhttps://plus.google.com/109559791937355668200noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-18310042615973631922010-07-05T21:10:00.001-07:002010-07-05T22:58:53.407-07:00Book Review - Deliverying Happiness<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p> <img style='width: 331px; height: 500px;' src='http://images.postling.com/9/980/g_fullxfull.3291.jpg' alt=''/></p><p> As a business owner, I am always looking for new inspirations for my business. When our FTEC member <a href='http://modernmouse.eleen.com'>Eleen </a>recommended the book "<a href='http://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446563048/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1278387882&amp;sr=8-1'>Delivering Happiness"</a>, I was intrigued by its title. We all want to be happy, but what exactly does Tony Hsieh mean by "Delivering Happiness?"</p><p> Delivery Happiness started as an informal autobiography, with stories of Tony Hsieh's multiple failed business attempts as a child as a result of big dreams, great concepts, and lack of experience and research. Hsieh's desire to make big money by owning a business was not deterred by his failed attempts, and eventually one of his business ideas (custom buttons) actually succeeded and generated good income for the teenager. From there Hsieh continued to have different businesses. He became a milti-millioanaire after selling LinkExchange (which he co-founded), got involved with Zappos as an adviser and investor, and then eventually became CEO. Within 10 years, Zappos grew from almost no sales to $1 billion in gross merchandise sales, and was eventually acquired by Amazon in 2009 in a deal valued at over $1.2 billion on the day of closing.</p><p> Just like many other great success stories, Hsieh's success almost seems too glamorous and too easy -- that is, if you don't read the book <a href='http://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446563048/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1278387882&amp;sr=8-1'>Delivering Happiness</a>, in which Hsieh candidly shares his roller coaster ride with the readers. There were ups and downs over the course of 10 years, and it took a lot of courage, passion and wisdom to create an empire. </p><p> Half way through the book, just when I was about to start wondering, "ok, so this book is about the background of Hsieh's success story. And what does it have anything to with 'Delivering Happiness'?" the direction of the book suddenly changed.</p><p> The book was divided into three sections...</p><p> Section I - Profits</p><p> Section II - Profits and Passion</p><p> Section III - Profits, Passion, and Purpose</p><p> These three sections symbolically represent different periods of Hsieh's life. Before his business succeeded, all Hsieh wanted was profits -- "<em>I just wanted a job that paid well and didn't seem like too much work.</em>"(p.29) Then, after his success with LinkExchange, the young millionaire realized that money alone couldn't bring him happiness -- "<em>I didn't know exactly what I was going to do, but I knew what I wasn't going to do....I had decided to stop chasing the money, and start chasing the passion."</em>(p.54) </p><p> A turning point of Zappos was when Hsieh and Mossler(Fred) decided to make the Zappos brand about the best customer service -- <em>&amp;ldquo;&amp;hellip;in the long run, little things that keep the customer in mind will end up paying huge dividends.&amp;rdquo;</em>(p.128)This is where &amp;ldquo;Delivering Happiness&amp;rdquo; came in <em>--&amp;ldquo;As we rolled out these additional services, we slowly realized that we were becoming part of a bigger movement. It was no longer just about Zappos. We were helping change the world.&amp;rdquo;(p.208) </em>Hsieh talked about how Zappos delivers happiness through their unique culture/core values. Not only does Zappos try to make customers happy, it also strives to make the employees and vendors happy.</p><p> I had started reading &amp;ldquo;Delivering Happiness&amp;rdquo; hoping to learn to make profits, and it was nothing like what I expected -- It was much, much more.</p><p> </p><p> If you are interested in learning more about "Delivering Happiness", check out their <a href='http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com/?gclid=CMnsxMD-1aICFQu-sgodkG-0xw'>website</a>, <a href='http://twitter.com/zappos'>twitter</a> or <a href='http://www.facebook.com/deliveringhappiness'>facebook</a> page! (I especially love Tony's twitter page among the three)</p><p> </p><p> mollie (aka<a href='http://muyinmolly.etsy.com/'> muyinmolly)</a></p><p> </p><p> Disclosure: I have received the book free of charge . I am honestly reviewing the products and have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.</p></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-1174931094945565932010-05-25T23:48:00.000-07:002010-06-28T19:16:51.026-07:00Reproductions vs. Originals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nzTzKBs9kac/TClWXKrdFqI/AAAAAAAAAi8/69Q4bRi4vOs/s1600/Set+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nzTzKBs9kac/TClWXKrdFqI/AAAAAAAAAi8/69Q4bRi4vOs/s320/Set+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488012576931255970" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been writing for another blog about the benefits of buying handmade. Tara over at <a href="http://www.scoutiegirl.com/">Scoutiegirl </a>had a wonderful blog post about why she buys handmade:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"...</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> but I feel pretty good when I walk out of the house wearing something that no one else in my county has in their closet. No amount of Louis Vuittons or Chanel suits or t-shirts plastered with chain store logos make up for the sameness that the rest of the world lives in."</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Tara from Scoutiegirl</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well said! Do you like to be 100% original? I get tired of seeing the same things everywhere. I hate walking into someone's home and seeing the exact same print that was available a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">t Pier One, or Pottery Barn, or Ikea, or, or, or. Trust your instincts, be yourself, have an opinion and be original!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So what is the difference in between a print and an original painting? Well, a print is a reproduction of a painting. Virtually all of the artwork that you see available in chain stores are prints. This means that at least one other person, if not hundreds of other people, have the exact same thing hanging on their walls. On the positive side, if you absolutely love a very popular artist and their artwork is super expensive, prints are an affordable way to have something of theirs hanging on your wall.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An original painting is exactly what it says that it is - original. You can smell the paint, feel the texture, see the brilliant colors and brush strokes in a way that is impossible to capture with a print. You can feel the hard work and energy that went into creating the painting. Sometimes you can even see the process that the artist had in creating the painting when you look at the original. Many of the Great Masters even have brush bristles that got caught in the painting. Can you imagine having a brush bristle from Monet?!?! (But then again, I can't quite imagine owning a multi-million dollar painting by Monet either).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Perhaps the best part of owning an original is the feeling that nobody else has the same thing that you have. You, and only you, have that one piece of artwork, and you don't have to share. Others may like that artist as well, but no two will be exactly the same.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photo Courtesy of Shelby from BS Art Studio. You can visit her website @ </span><a href="http://www.bsartstudio.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.bsartstudio.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> or her Etsy site: </span><a href="http://www.bsartstudio.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.bsartstudio.etsy.com</span></a></i></span></div></div>Shelby Dillonhttps://plus.google.com/109559791937355668200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-72377416529445019542010-05-19T04:09:00.000-07:002010-05-19T04:25:02.313-07:00Handmade Guide to GlassAs the first article about buying handmade, I would like to introduce <a href="http://www.anniehowes.etsy.com/">Annie Howes of Annie Howes Keepsakes</a>. She posted this on her blog, and it has some wonderful information about buying handmade vs. manufactured glass pendants for jewelrymaking:<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.139149404.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color:#333333;">If you’re purchasing clear glass pieces for your creative projects, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">the two basic types of glass you would encounter are float glass and rolled glass.</span> Most of the economically priced glass available is made overseas in China by large manufacturing companies that produce thousands of glass tiles each day and is made from float glass. Float glass is made by floating molten glass onto molten tin, hence the name. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">It's a process that imparts some of the metal properties into the glass sheets which can discolor or dull the glass.</span> And while that glass may be hand cut and kiln fired, it’s 99.9% likely the glass isn’t hand cut and kiln fired by the seller. Just because the seller claims the glass is handmade, and I’m sure it is handmade by someone somewhere, that doesn’t mean it’s handmade by them. </p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); min-height: 15px; "><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Similarly, glass that is stated as “designed” by the seller doesn’t mean the seller made the glass</span>. It just means they placed an order with a manufacturer in China who makes glass tiles to order. It’s a rather deceitful way of not being straightforward about who makes their glass because they want the customer to assume they made the glass themselves. For example, if you place a custom order with me for glass and I cut and fired your glass, would you claim you made the glass? Probably not. You gave me dimensions of the size you wanted and I cut and kiln fired the glass for you. The glass, however, is still handmade. Did you design the glass? If instructing glass to be cut to a 1” square is called “designing” then I suppose you did.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333; min-height: 15.0px"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.145169158.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Why should you be concerned with any of this?</span> Because there are obvious visible differences in the glass you’ll most likely receive if you purchase glass not handmade (ie. not hand cut and kiln fired) by the seller (float glass) vs. glass handmade by the seller (rolled glass). If you are spending your time and talents on creating beautiful jewelry or other pieces of art, wouldn't you want to use the most beautiful glass available?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">What is the difference between the glass types?</span> There are basically two different glass types available for glass pendants:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> float glass, and fusible glass</span></span>. Float glass is typically used for tiling your kitchen or bath and architectural installations. Thin float glass is also used in soldered charms, and the glass you put your photos behind in a picture frame is also float glass. The float glass sold for use in glass pendant making is a low-iron glass. Low iron means the amount of green (iron) in the glass is reduced or removed. I, too, offer this economical glass as an alternative when high quality glass isn't important. While the glass is clear and colorless, it lacks the spectrum of light that you would see in crystals. It’s dull and flat and lifeless. And cheap. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The alternative to dull and lifeless glass is called rolled art glass, which is the type of glass used primarily in glass fusing.</span></span> This is the good stuff, and not just because I said so. Rolled glass for fusing has such high clarity that it’s very much like crystal in its appearance. It shines, it sparkles and is alive with all spectrum of light. It’s breathtaking by comparison. Each piece is a work of art. Rolled glass is the same type of raw glass used in large fused glass platters, and glass vases, and such. It's art glass and is specifically created for use in fine art pieces.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">How can you tell the glass you’re buying is quality art glass handmade by the seller</span>? First, you can ask. I believe most sellers of glass tiles for jewelry and crafting are decent honest people and will give you an honest answer if asked outright about the glass they’re selling. Ask what type of glass it is, if it’s <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">rolled glass (high clarity, used for fusing) or float glass (low clarity, lusterless used for architectural installations</span>). Ask if it’s imported glass, or if they cut and fired the glass themselves on site. I don’t think anyone would be offended by these questions and most glass artists are more than happy to discuss their craft.</p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.145169160.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333">If you still suspect the glass is not handmade by the seller, ask if the artist can custom fire glass to meet your specifications. If they don’t make custom cut glass and only offer specific sizes, they probably are importing their glass and you should continue your search for quality handmade glass elsewhere.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333">If you have purchased glass and are concerned that it's not the quality of glass it was advertised to be, check to see if the glass is smooth on both sides of the piece. If so, the glass is float glass and was most likely not handmade by the seller.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Trebuchet MS; color: #333333">Support true handmade supplies made by the artist who created the products you're purchasing. Your finished pieces will radiate with life!</p><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, and next week is Handmade Guide to Art: Prints vs. Originals</div><div><br /></div><div>- Shelby of <a href="http://www.bsartstudio.etsy.com">BS Art Studio</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Shelby Dillonhttps://plus.google.com/109559791937355668200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-11182666210569080792010-05-14T22:59:00.001-07:002010-05-16T09:55:39.107-07:00Three Tips on "How to Make Money on Etsy" by Muyinmolly<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> <img width="240" src="http://images.postling.com/5/5e6/g_fullxfull.2473.jpg" height="143" alt="" /></p><p> Last week I had a phone interview with <a href="http://www.inc.com/">Inc.com</a> for a post on "<a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/sell-handmade-crafts-on-etsy.html">How to Make Money on Etsy"</a>.The reporter Lindsey Silberman talked to a few Etsy sellers for this article and included a few pointers from me on running a successful Etsy business. Overall I think she did a very good job quoting me, but I would like to add a few words not mentioned in the <a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/sell-handmade-crafts-on-etsy.html">article.</a></p><p> If you are interested in starting a part time or full time business on Etsy, be sure to check out Etsy seller tips on <a href="http://fulltimeetsycraftersteam.blogspot.com/search/label/etsy%20seller%20tips">Full Time Etsy Crafters Team blog</a> as well as <a href="http://muyinmolly.blogspot.com/search/label/tips%20for%20Etsy%20sellers">my blog</a>. One of my favorite posts is the post written by <a href="http://fulltimeetsycraftersteam.blogspot.com/2009/08/etsy-how-to-make-it-work-for-you.html">Susansheehan. </a></p><p> Back in 2007, after selling on Etsy for 6 month, I wrote a blog post on "<a href="http://muyinmolly.blogspot.com/2007/12/three-pointers-about-starting-on-etsy.html">Three Pointers about Starting on Etsy</a>". A new Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SalvageNation">SalvageNation</a> told me that her shop took off after she followed my tips religiously. However, now that my <a href="http://muyinmolly.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> is almost three years old, I feel the need to revise the tips I wrote two and half years ago.</p><p> If I am asked again to give you three quick tips on running a successful Etsy shop in the order of their importance, this is what I will tell you now..</p><p><br /></p><p> <strong>1. You must have a <a href="http://muyinmolly.blogspot.com/2008/05/finding-your-niche.html">niche</a>, a special product </strong></p><p> No matter what you sell, you need to do it well enough to stand out from the crowd. There needs to be something special about your product. This "something special" can be your design (e.g. a special color combination, or a special size), can be the material you use (e.g., a special fabric for purses), or can be a different skill (e.g. if you are extremely good at something that others cannot do as well as you), but it should <em>not </em>be being able to price your items lower than others.If you are able to give customers a very reasonable price for your products, that is always a bonus, but it should not be your goal to price your items as low as possible.</p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.130834872.jpg" height="289" alt="" /></p><p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CricketsCreations?section_id=5594043">[cricketscreations</a>] -- gorgeous color combinations</p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.144247187.jpg" height="280" alt="" /></p><p> [<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JPATPURSES">jpatpurses</a>] - her fabric selection will blow you away! </p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.137885765.jpg" height="296" alt="" /></p><p> [<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bsartstudio">BSArtstudio]</a> -- "mixers" original art paintings.What a concept!</p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.144442322.jpg" height="282" alt="" /></p><p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nicholasandfelice?section_id=5011288">[nicholasandfelice]</a> -- hard to find shawl pins with amazing wirework</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> <strong>2. You must have excellent, clear photos, and if they are stylish and show your personality, that is even better</strong> </p><p> In the <a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/sell-handmade-crafts-on-etsy.html">Inc.com interview</a>, I mentioned "Etsy-style photos". What does that mean? You may notice a lot of successful sellers shoot their photos from a different, interesting angle, with a special background, on a mannequin or display..etc. You will notice while every seller does them differently, successful sellers always have great and consistent photos that show their personality. On Etsy, the photos of your products are part of your products.This is important for all online venues, but on Etsy it is even more important. </p><p> We all know that since online shoppers cannot see and touch, or smell (if that applies) the products before buying them, you need to help them see, touch, and smell your products with your photos. Give them a sense of the colors, measurements, sizes, styles, fragrances, and functions of your products with your photos.</p><p> <img width="350" style="cursor: default; " src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.57805162.jpg" height="211" alt="" /></p><p> [<a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=lip+balm&amp;search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5089487">pinkquartzminerals</a>] -- help customers feel the texture of your products</p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.135694028.jpg" height="356" alt="" /></p><p> [<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisycakessoap">daisycakessoap</a>] -- help customers smell your products</p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.143350953.jpg" height="232" alt="" /></p><p> [<a href="http://muyinmolly.etsy.com/">muyinmolly</a>] - life size mannequin helps customers gauge the sizes</p><p> People buying handmade like to feel a connection with the artists.Treat your Etsy shop as a big, 24/7 online craft show, and your photos are your booth. What would you do with your booth when you go to a real craft show? You do not just set up a tent, lay out your products on your tables, right? You dress up your booth.You arrange your products nicely on your tables. Or maybe you have some special displays on your table. People going to in-person craft shows like pretty booths. People going to online craft shows like pretty photos. Some sellers (including me) include photos of themselves either working at a studio, or wearing/using their products.This also helps customers to connect with the artist behind the lovely products. </p><p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=europe+handcut&amp;search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5332574"><img width="350" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.126260582.jpg" height="350" alt="" /></a></p><p> [<a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=europe+handcut&amp;search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5332574">papercutsbyjoe</a>] -- Joe holding his own papercut</p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.144340994.jpg" height="364" alt="" /></p><p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ileaiye">[ileaiye]</a> -- Cherylline modelling her hand knit</p><p> </p><p>You do not need a fancy DSLR camera to take great photos.The styles and clarity of your photos are more important than the model of your camera. Practice with a decent digital camera and study the manual (they are all pretty good nowadays). Understanding your own camera is the first step to great shots.</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p> <strong>3. Clear and SEO friendly titles, descriptions, tags and the whole shop set up</strong></p><p> Now that you have the products and great photos, the next step to help shoppers find you by providing them the right search keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags. If you are still wonder what SEO means, I would urge you to do a little research in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/forums_search.php?search_query=SEO&amp;search_type=forum_title">Etsy forum</a> or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/full/SEO/">Storque.</a> I am not personally an SEO expert, but just "happened to be doing a few things right" from the beginning.</p><p>Even if you have great products and great photos, if shoppers cannot find your listings when they type in a keyword search, they are not given a chance to click your photos, not to mention making a purchase.</p><p> While listing consistently is a way to keep your items at the top of the search, you need great titles, descriptions and tags to keep your products on the RIGHT search pages. Other than product titles, descriptions and tags, your shop title, shop announcement and section names are also very important for SEO.</p><p> If you do these right, you should start to receive decent traffic from search engines, and, hopefully, sales. Do not blame Etsy for not making your shop SEO friendly -- YOU are the person who needs to make your shop SEO friendly, and you can. </p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.143155302.jpg" height="350" alt="" /></p><p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sudlow?section_id=5011892">[sudlow]</a> - high search ranking on both Etsy and search engines lead to a continuous sales flow</p><p> <img width="350" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.143407141.jpg" height="350" alt="" /></p><p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnieHowes">[anniehowes</a>] - high search ranking on both Etsy and search engines lead to a continuous sales flow</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> It took me more than two years to realize everything I wrote in this post, and I hope you find them helpful. Remember -- selling on Etsy is hard work. Everything I mentioned was easier said than done. I am always doing research on my category and developing new products. Most of my photos have been re-shot multiple times. I am always working on my SEO. In sum: I am always working.</p><p> Every once a while I would receive a convo from artists telling me they just lost their job and would like to try to make it full time on Etsy.While I always wish them good luck, I know how difficult this can be and how lucky I have been. In my <a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/sell-handmade-crafts-on-etsy.html">interview with Inc.com</a>, my story may sound like a fairy tale to many of you because I "made profit after selling on etsy for one month", but please do remember... </p><p> 1. I had a year of online selling experience on Ebay prior to opening my Etsy shop, which gave me a small customer base plus a lot of chances to practice my photography. </p><p> 2. I did not <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/quit-your-day-job-muyinmolly-2415/">quit my day job</a> until 10 months after I opened <a href="http://muyinmolly.etsy.com/">my Etsy shop</a>, which means I saved enough money to float me through slow times. I did not start selling on etsy full time until my business was fully established and making consistent sales. If you are just starting, be prepared it will take you a while before you can make this a full time job.</p><p> </p><p> Shortly after I became a full time Etsy artist, I started the<a href="http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=416"> Full Time Etsy Crafters Team</a>. While our team is meant to be a support group for established full time Etsy artists, I often receive membership requests from brand new Etsy sellers wanting to join the team to learn how to become as successful as us. Now, I believe I have just shared my success secrets with you within this one single post. However, you will NOT become successful just by reading this post. You need to work on these tips I gave you.You need to work on them, work on them more, and then work on them even more. </p><p> If you are "trying to make Etsy full time" and have not read this "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/best-of-the-etsy-forums-ten-things-i-learned-the-hard-way-8226/#comment-296442">T</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/best-of-the-etsy-forums-ten-things-i-learned-the-hard-way-8226/#comment-296442">en Things I Learned the Hard Way</a>" post by <a href="http://piddix.etsy.com/">Piddix</a>, you really should. Corinna shows you what it takes to succeed.</p><p> </p><p> best wishes to you all,</p><p> Mollie, aka <a href="http://muyinmolly.etsy.com/">muyinmolly </a></p></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-11112618063886751322010-05-11T02:11:00.000-07:002010-05-11T02:14:00.931-07:00The Buyer's Guide to Handmade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.141494105.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 342px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.141494105.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />When we were 7 we were getting in trouble for doodling in the margins during class. Our feet were tapping, dreaming about getting home and opening up the craft closet to make friendship bracelets, crocheting, collaging - just creating - anything. Some of us took a detour through the corporate world, others figured it out earlier - but we all have learned to make a living doing what we love. It isn't easy, a thread running around our email chain is currently talking about how one of our members works from 12am-12am. Last time I checked, that was 24 hours. Another member counts it a lucky day when she gets 1-2 hours sleep. Me? I'm starting all over again, so the challenge is getting my store back up and running. Almost from scratch. <div><br /></div><div>We do this full-time because we love it. We would have it no other way. If we were back in the cubicle, we'd be getting in trouble for doodling in the margins again. Daydreaming about creating when we should be filing a TPS report. </div><div><br /></div><div>Handmade. It is what drives us. </div><div><br /></div><div>So what makes handmade stand out from mass-produced items? It has to do with the individual vision of the maker. The care that goes into the entire process, from design through crafting, the hard work that we put in to ensure our product is made with the utmost care and quality. We don't ship our idea off to someone else to complete. You won't see our items in Target or Ikea or in every other person's house. That is a totally different market. </div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, there are some casualties of things being handmade. But there are casualties of things manufactured everywhere. (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Chinese drywall anyone</span>?) Over the next few months I'm going to be working with the FTEC team to help educate everyone on how to be a smarter buyer - how to tell the good from the bad, the original from the mass produced. </div><div><br /></div><div>But in the meantime, I'd love to know - why do you buy handmade? What is the value you see in it?</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, the image above is one of my teammates whose work I am currently drooling over - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JPATPURSES">JPatPurses</a></div><div><br /></div><div>- Shelby from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bsartstudio">BS Art Studio</a></div>Shelby Dillonhttps://plus.google.com/109559791937355668200noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-34088524793625213582010-04-15T00:39:00.000-07:002010-04-15T03:34:45.603-07:00Great reads for indie business owners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVQ9nuuDtEc/S8bFVaaBKCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/s6cFIYfJZL4/s1600/il_fullxfull.134225012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVQ9nuuDtEc/S8bFVaaBKCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/s6cFIYfJZL4/s400/il_fullxfull.134225012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460268569889679394" border="0" /></a>I'm a bit behind in sharing with you great online business reads! Here are a few really, really great reads - I'd love to hear what you think!<br /><br /><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/04/expose-yourself.html" target="_blank">From Seth Godin's blog: expose yourself (in a good way!)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://papernstitchblog.com/2010/04/12/craft-venture-creating-your-new-job-part-iii/" target="_blank">From Craft Venture on papernstitch: creating a job, part III (finishing the job description)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.craftsreport.com/beginning-business/177-craft-business-insurance.html" target="_blank">From The Crafts Report: what you need to know about craft business insurance</a><br /><br />Enjoy and please feel free to share additional great reads in the comments! <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Image credit:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43866381/daydreaming-dodo-set-of-5-mini-notecards" target="_blank">Daydreaming dodo set of five mini notecards and envelopes by Paper Victory</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/phydeauxdesigns" target="_blank">Brenda</a> - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/phydeaux" target="_blank">Phydeaux Designs</a></span>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-66831444642603134562010-03-17T09:03:00.001-07:002010-03-17T20:29:47.936-07:00Entrepreneur Group Interview on My Money Blog <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p> A few FTEC members are featured in the <a href='http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2010/03/entrepreneur-group-interview-etsycom-shop-sellers.html'>"Entrepreneur Group Interview: Etsy.com Shop Sellers" </a>article on</p><p> <a href='http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2010/03/entrepreneur-group-interview-etsycom-shop-sellers.html'>My Money Blog</a><a href='http://http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2010/03/entrepreneur-group-interview-etsycom-shop-sellers.html'>.</a> Check it out!</p><p> <img width='350' src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.88547713.jpg' height='260' alt=''/></p><p> </p><p> <a href='http://susansheehan.etsy.com'>Susansheehan<br/> </a></p><p> <img width='350' src='http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.125908911.jpg' height='350' alt=''/></p><p> <a href='http://anniehowes.etsy.com'>Anniehowes<br/> </a></p><p> <img width='350' src='http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.127963324.jpg' height='295' alt=''/></p><p> <a href='http://xohandworks.etsy.com'>XOhandworks<br/> </a></p><p> <img width='350' src='http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.115014664.jpg' height='350' alt=''/></p><p> <a href='http://unkamengifts.etsy.com'>unkamengifts<br/> </a></p><p> <img width='350' src='http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.122774511.jpg' height='362' alt=''/></p><p> <a href='http://spiderbite.etsy.com'>Spiderbite<br/> </a></p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-84901004525186785352010-03-09T18:39:00.000-08:002010-03-09T19:05:27.901-08:00Great reads for indie business owners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVQ9nuuDtEc/S5cMIS6AIVI/AAAAAAAAAHo/SHgC_Bj2O1E/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.124060255.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVQ9nuuDtEc/S5cMIS6AIVI/AAAAAAAAAHo/SHgC_Bj2O1E/s400/il_fullxfull.124060255.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446835610981507410" border="0" /></a>In addition to and in support of my own fulltime indie business, I'm continually reading about business, marketing, strategic planning, financial management, and the list goes on. Although I possess years of experience (and education) in the management of financial and administrative resources, my business education is never ending!<br /><br />I'll be sharing with you all great business reads that I find online (blogs, articles, etc.) at least weekly. If you haven't already done so, developing the habit of continual learning and improvement via reading and practice of new ideas can only help you with your own business.<br /><br />So without further ado, here are a few great midweek reads:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/03/biz-ladies-biz-moms-balance-time-management.html" target="_blank">From Design*Sponge Biz Ladies: Biz parents - balance and time management</a> (anyone can benefit from this post - I'm not a parent and I loved it)<br /><br /><a href="http://craftmba.com/2010/03/09/copyright-trademarks-and-patents/" target="_blank">From Crafting an MBA: Copyright, trademarks and patents</a><br /><br /><a href="http://papernstitchblog.com/2010/03/08/craft-venture-to-hire-or-not-to-hire/" target="_blank">From Craft Venture on papernstitch: to hire or not to hire</a> (okay, full disclosure, I write the Craft Venture column!)<br /><br /><a href="http://ittybiz.com/michael-box-of-crayons-video/" target="_blank">From Ittie Biz: Michael / box of crayons</a> (be sure to watch the video - good stuff in there!)<br /><br />Enjoy - I'd love to hear what you think - and please feel free to share additional great reads in the comments! <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Image credit:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40891163">Amazing anatomical brain tea towels from Girls Can Tell</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/phydeauxdesigns" target="_blank">Brenda</a> - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/phydeaux" target="_blank">Phydeaux Designs</a></span>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-26348815466989193192010-02-28T17:30:00.001-08:002010-02-28T18:26:10.753-08:00Getting Married? Plan a Handmade Wedding with FTEC!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p style="text-align: center;"> <em>Written by <a href="http://papercutsbyjoe.etsy.com/">papercutsbyjoe</a><br /></em></p><p> Well everyone, it's that time of the year again. Mud season! Okay, seriously though, it's late winter, which means wedding season is around the corner and things are really kicking into high gear. I was there myself three years ago, and I REALLY wish I had known about Etsy as it would have made our wedding planning so much easier. As a proud member of the Full Time Etsy Crafters (FTEC) team, I am happy to present these gift ideas from our members for your enjoyment. As full-timers we take our work VERY seriously and I can assure you a happy experience from these folk. It's nice to work with real people when you're about five seconds from loosing your mind. I hope these gift ideas can take away some of the stress and help check off some of your to-buy list. Because of the broadness of our team's offerings, I have divided this post into several sections in order of when the event occurs: Before the wedding, Wedding Shower Gifts, Bridal Party and Groomsmen Gifts, and THE BIG DAY items.</p><p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Before the Wedding</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">You're going to need invitations to the various parties and the main event, so head over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarmarkGatherings?section_id=5747456">Earmark Gathering</a> for some great shower and wedding invitations. </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.53868777.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.53868777.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.118502106.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.118502106.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.78258252.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.78258252.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wedding Shower</span> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Several months before the Big Day, all your friends and family will gather. Here's some great ideas for party favors and gifts for the Married-to-be:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.119561591.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 255px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.119561591.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39569306"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Prettiest Ring: Diagram Towels by Girlscantell $20</span></span></a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.126677141.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 174px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.126677141.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.126677210.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 328px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.126677210.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40974042">Fringed Throw Blanket by CricketsCreations $195</a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40974042"> </a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.81453207.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 240px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.81453207.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28250157&amp;ref=sr_gallery_1&amp;&amp;ga_search_query=custom+miniature+guest+soaps&amp;ga_search_type=handmade&amp;ga_page=&amp;includes[]=tags&amp;includes[]=title">50 Custom-labeled Guest Soaps by dennisanderson $100</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.124870296.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 302px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.124870296.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41128061">Glycerin Wedding Cake Soap by Daisycakessoap $3</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.125544298.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 234px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.125544298.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38227159">Fork Picture Frame Holder by Monkeysalwayslook $10</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.121169107.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 331px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.121169107.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40042015">Custom Hand-cut Paper Silhouettes from PapercutsByJoe $40</a></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Bridal Party Gifts</span> Here's some great ideas for gifts to give to your bridesmaids. <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.95557039.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 262px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.95557039.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5200824&amp;search_query=sweet+pea+set">Sweat Pea Sets (various colors) by MuYinMolly $45-$47</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.126146271.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 258px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.126146271.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7311911">Custom Labeled Eye Shadow by Pink Quartz Minerals $45</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.124370111.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 236px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.124370111.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/susansheehan?ga_search_query=Susansheehan&amp;ga_search_type=seller_usernames&amp;order=price_asc">Lampwork Charm beads by Susansheehan $8-$35</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.120682459.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 210px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.120682459.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.121302900.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 243px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.121302900.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Spiderbite?ga_search_query=spiderbite&amp;ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Nightmare Snatchers and Worry Wollies Notebook/Journals by Spiderbite $20-30</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.122809281.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 173px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.122809281.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.126095460.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 166px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.126095460.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.126782219.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 167px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.126782219.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JPATPURSES?ga_search_query=FTEC&amp;ga_search_type=handmade&amp;ga_page=2&amp;includes[0]=tags&amp;includes[1]=title">Purses by JPatPurses $7.50</a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Groomsmen Gifts:</strong></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">As a guy, these would be the items I would like to get. I gave my Best Man art as a gift: </span></span> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.126407313.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 245px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.126407313.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kfarrell?section_id=5759275">Build your own tinysaur kits by Kfarrell $7-16 </a></div> </div> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.126562404.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 267px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.126562404.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41624899">Sweet Ride Scooter Diagram Wall Art by girlscantell $16</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.119071264.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 246px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.119071264.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39425129">Keep Calm Parody Matted 8x10 Prints by Earmark $25</a></p> <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.122599366.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 324px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.122599366.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prixprix?section_id=5146629">Necktie Wallets by Prix-Prix $30 (various designs)</a></p> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.125095732.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 303px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.125095732.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div> </div> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&amp;listing_id=41193610">Custom Sterling Silver Map Cufflinks by dlkdesigns $50</a> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><strong>THE BIG DAY</strong>- Bride</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">What to wear on the day of your wedding: </span></span> <div style="text-align: center;"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.118555384.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 293px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.118555384.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39273279">Elegant Pearl Drop Earrings by UnkamenWeddings $58</a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.92499437.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 149px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.92499437.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.125681944.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 149px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.125681944.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.124937963.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 148px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.124937963.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/muyinmolly?section_id=5192052&amp;order=price_asc&amp;page=1"><br /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/muyinmolly?section_id=5192052&amp;order=price_asc&amp;page=1">Pearl Jewelry by MuYinMolly $10-$92</a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.119679161.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 240px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.119679161.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39603401">Pearl and Crystal Bobby Pins by MarlaJDesigns $25</a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.126030697.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 246px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.126030697.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarlaJDesigns?section_id=5216292&amp;order=price_asc">Veils by MarlaJDesigns $20-$6</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarlaJDesigns?section_id=5216292&amp;order=price_asc">0</a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.113669773.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 148px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.113669773.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125779497.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 149px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125779497.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkquartzminerals">Vegan Mineral Makeup by PinkQuartzMinerals $3-$14</a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.70579431.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 304px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.70579431.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23845530">Classic Pearl Earrings by South Paw Studios $10</a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.73827133.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 352px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.73827133.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25972369">Vintage styled Bridal Earrings by Realisationscreations $21</a> </span></p> <p> <strong><span style="font-size:85%;">and here are a few ideas for your Something BLUE...</span></strong></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.108663036.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 205px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.108663036.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125637273.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 205px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125637273.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.126640908.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 223px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.126640908.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.117348210.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 276px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.117348210.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(in order of appearance) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36339447">Blue Power pearl &amp; Sterling Silver earrings by MuYinMolly $18</a> Chevrelle Knit Lace Neck Cuff by Phydeaux <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41352301">Finished $80 </a>PDF <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41654549">pattern $5</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41647350">Stearling Silver Cabochon Earrings in Blue by ElizabethJewelry $13.95</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38921404">Light Blue crystal drop earrings by southpawstudios $24</a> </span> </span></span></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>THE BIG DAY- Groom</strong></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">Some great items to bring some character to the groom's attire </span></span> <div style="text-align: center;"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.120550740.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 324px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.120550740.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39858632">Create your own cufflinks kit by AnnieHowes $8.50</a> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.125068232.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.125068232.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&amp;listing_id=41185740">Vintage Map Sterling Silver Square Cufflinks by dlkdesigns $50</a> </span></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">Thanks everyone, I hope this was helpful, and good luck with all your planning! </span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-7945754018681702982010-01-14T10:13:00.001-08:002010-01-18T18:47:47.044-08:00Tutorial -- How To Pay With Credit Card Through Paypal<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> (written by Mollie Chen at <a href="http://muyinjewelry.com/">Mu-Yin Jewelry</a>)</p><p> You don't need a paypal account to pay for a paypal invoice. If you receive a paypal invoice but would like to pay with a credit card, here's a step-by-step tutorial.</p><p> Your invoice would be a separate email with a subject as <strong>"(Vendor's Name) would like to be paid through paypal"</strong>.Open this email, and <strong>click "Pay Now"</strong>, and you will be prompted to the payment page.</p><p> <img src="http://images.postling.com/6/61b/g_400xN.786.jpg" alt="" height="360" width="400" /></p><p> This page describes what you are being charged for.Review the charges and <strong>click "continue"</strong></p><p> <img src="http://images.postling.com/3/362/g_400xN.787.jpg" alt="" height="280" width="400" /></p><p> Ignore tha big "log in to paypal" box on right of the next page. Instead, you will see a small link <strong>on the left side of the page</strong> next to the credit card logos that says <strong>"Continue"</strong> .Click it.</p><p> <img src="http://images.postling.com/c/c15/g_400xN.788.jpg" alt="" height="354" width="400" /></p><p> Here's the page where you fill out all of your credit card info(left side).After you fill out the details,click <strong>"Review Order and Continue"</strong> to finalize the payment, and you're done!</p><p> <img src="http://images.postling.com/6/680/g_400xN.789.jpg" alt="" height="374" width="400" /></p><p> This is a very secure way to pay for your online purchases.It is more secure than giving your credit card number to the vendor over the phone or in person, because the vendor will not see your credit card info when you pay through this method.Also, even if you have a paypal account, you can still use this method to pay with credit card.</p><p> I hope you find this tutorial helpful!</p></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-70275608400771761652010-01-10T17:03:00.001-08:002010-01-10T17:03:03.989-08:00Member Profile- Realisation Creations <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p> <img width='350' src=' http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.84570787.jpg' height='397' alt=''/></p><p> <img width='350' src=' http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.113010335.jpg' height='441' alt=''/></p><p> <img width='350' src=' http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.112646293.jpg' height='422' alt=''/></p><p> <strong>Shop name</strong>: Realisation Creations (etsy ID: <a href='http://realisationcreations.etsy.com'>realisationcreations</a>)<br/> <strong>Category</strong>: jewellery and accessories<br/> <strong>Specialty:</strong> Natalia of Realisation Creations designs elaborate<br/> wirewrapped jewellery with a distinct luxe, slightly noir, style.<br/> <br/> <strong>Special offer: </strong> please write "FTEC" in the "notes to seller" at checkout for 10% discount, FTEC members are eligible for a further 10% discount.</p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-32637057314450715312010-01-07T14:32:00.001-08:002010-01-07T14:37:13.211-08:00Member Profile-Purple Sage Designz <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> <img width='350' src='http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.107568944.jpg' height='286' border='0' alt=''/><img width='350' src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.96091601.jpg' height='307' border='0' alt=''/></p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> <img width='350' src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.75664537.jpg' height='383' border='0' alt=''/></p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> <strong>Shop name</strong>: Purple Sage Designz (Etsy ID: <a href='http://purplesagedesignz.etsy.com'>purplesagedesignz</a>)</p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> <strong>Category</strong>: accessories, crochet beanies </p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> <strong>Specialty</strong>: Purple Sage Designz specializes in crochet hippie hats, dread tams and patchwork skirts.</p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> All hats are hand crocheted and Angelika's own designs. She also incorporates hemp and eco yarns to offer environmental friendly materials. Most of her skirts are sewn with recycled or vintage fabrics. She accepts custom orders and has a quick turn around. Professionally finished and with an even stitch tension her beanies will last to wear for many years. Styles range from skullcaps, berets to slouchy beanies and oversized dreadlocks hats.</p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> <strong>Special offers</strong>: purplesagedesignz offers 5% <span>to</span> all <span>FTEC</span> blog readers. Use</p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> Code <span>FTEC</span> at checkout <span>to</span> receive 5% paypal rebate. <span>FTEC</span> Team members</p><p style='margin: 0in; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Calibri;'> Receives 10% off on all orders.</p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-85357095958159631242009-11-27T18:43:00.001-08:002010-01-03T20:52:49.752-08:00Member Profile -- Inklore<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div> <span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://images.postling.com/a/a9a/g_400xN.585.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="350" /><br /> </span></span></div><div> </div><div> <span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://images.postling.com/7/766/g_fullxfull.587.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="350" /></span></span></div><div> </div><div> <img src="http://images.postling.com/d/dac/g_400xN.588.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="350" /></div><div> </div><div> <span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Shop name</strong>: Inklore (Etsy id: <a href="http://inklore.etsy.com">inklore</a>)</span></span></div><div> <span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Category</strong>: housewares, accessories, bags and purses, children</span></span></div><div> <span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Specialty</strong>: Inklore specializes in </span></span><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">artisan, well designed and eco-friendly housewares and accessories. Each item is block-printed by hand on high quality linen and cotton using environmentally sensitive, water-based inks. Everything is washable and color-fast, perfect for simple living. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> All Inklore goods are </span></span><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">designed, printed, and sewn by hand so you can be sure that what you are buying is unique, well-made, and has a story.</span></span></span></div><div> <span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Special offers</strong>: Inklore</span></span><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> offers 5% to all FTEC blog readers. Use</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> code FTEC at checkout to receive 5% paypal rebate. FTEC Team members</span></span></span><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> receive 10% off on all orders.</span></span></span></div><p style="margin: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span></span></p></div>full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-66322170794690657542009-11-23T18:08:00.001-08:002009-11-23T18:08:08.643-08:00Modern Mouse Grand Opening <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p> <em>Finally! Some pictures from Modern Mouse's grand opening on 11/14. Thanks to our fabulous member Marianne of <a href='http://mpaperarts.etsy.com'>Mae Bee Jewelry</a> for these photos and texts!<br/> </em></p><p> </p><p> <em><img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/3/343/g_400xN.599.jpg' height='261' alt=''/></em></p><p> <span class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>Monkeys Always Look markers on these shelves (bought one!). Rachel Austin's artwork (fantastic<wbr>!) in the corner.</wbr></span></p><p> <wbr> <p> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/0/08b/g_400xN.590.jpg' height='262' alt=''/></p> <span class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>Eleen behind the counter...<wbr>ca-ching! All of our biz cards on that table on the left. That's my hubs checking out my bracelets at the counter.</wbr></span><wbr> <p> </p> <p> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/3/349/g_400xN.591.jpg' height='262' alt=''/></p> <p> <span class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>Girls Can Tell yumminess! Prix-Prix wallets on that far shelf! Guys your things are amazing in person!</span></p> <p> <br/> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/d/dbe/g_400xN.592.jpg' height='262' alt=''/></p> <p> <span class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>Eleen's gorgeous bags on the far right wall. Tinysaurs cool tins in the left corner!</span></p> <p> <br/> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/a/acc/g_400xN.593.jpg' height='262' alt=''/></p> <p> <span class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>All jewelry in those nice white cases next to the checkout counter...<wbr>Mu-Yin Jewelry, Realisatio<wbr>n Creations, South Paw Studios, XO Handworks.<wbr>..together and in person, WOW!</wbr></wbr></wbr></span></p> <wbr><wbr><wbr> <p> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/0/076/g_400xN.594.jpg' height='262' alt=''/></p> <span class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>There's Eleen on the right showing off Monkeys Always Look markers!</span> <p> <br/> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/0/04e/g_400xN.595.jpg' height='468' alt=''/></p> <p> <span class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>vodka bar...um, yah.</span></p> <p> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/b/b2e/g_400xN.596.jpg' height='262' alt=''/></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/0/08c/g_400xN.597.jpg' height='468' alt=''/></p> <p> <span style='' class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>recognize these?! Really pretty in person.</span></p> <p> <img width='350' src='http://images.postling.com/6/6ac/g_400xN.598.jpg' height='262' alt=''/></p> <span style='' class='gphoto-photocaption-caption'>My space in the store. You can see how she's got a display tent for each artist...s<wbr>o gallery.</wbr></span><wbr> <p> </p> </wbr></wbr></wbr></wbr></wbr></wbr></p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-69305386828324969972009-11-18T13:09:00.001-08:002009-11-18T13:09:03.787-08:00Making Jewelry For A Target Market <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.96480303.jpg'><img src='http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.96480303.jpg' alt='' border='0' height='263' width='350'/></a><em><br/></em></p><p><em>In the following article,Molly of </em><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/Elizabethjewelry'><em>Elizabethjewelry</em></a><em> shares with us how she makes jewelry for a target market based on her extensive retail experiences.</em></p><p><br/>In my years of working directly with the customers in a retail forum, I have noticed certain trends. As people are all unique, many people buy outside of these patterns. But a large enough portion of people do buy a certain style for me to make items for them.<br/>Ok, first I start with the gemstone. I make a collection around each of these; peridot, red coral, smokey quartz, champagne topaz, Amethyst, white pearl, garnet, labradorite, and a multi color collection, mostly done with cubic zirconia. I dont have them all up on etsy yet, but that will soon change as I just hired a general assitant. She will be working on my wholesale orders off line, while I concentrait on Etsy.<br/><br/>Let start with Peridot. I have seen a trend that peridot wearers tend to be in their 40's, and are very dignified and rooted. They are professionals, with more disposable income. They enjoy nature, the outdoors and are generally optimistic people who enjoy art, yet are a bit conservative. ( I know this may seem like a sweeping generalization, but I cant help but notice this pattern over and over again). So I make for them a classic necklace that is both delicate and dignified, with just a touch of sparkle. 18". Not 16 as 16" tends to appeal to a much younger crowd. The toggle is a custom heart. It is branded with my name "elizabeth" on it as it has an unconditional lifetime guarantee. People like the fact that Elizabeth Is a brand that once they buy a piece, they own it for life. Especially for this customer. Mature people tend to remember when things were made to last forever, or at least a lot longer than most of todays "disposable" gadgets. I also use french wire to give<br/> the piece a more finished look. Now, using french wire with a necklace strung on beading wire is widely used, however, I was using it at least 6 years before it became a widely practiced technique.<br/><br/>This was one of my first things I listed, so I could retake the photo I believe:</p><p><img alt='' src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.21944401.jpg' height='350' width='350'/></p><p><img alt='' src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.21944157.jpg'/><br/><br/><br/>The <a href='http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22912651'>red coral</a> is another good one where I started with the end user. Men. That is right, as men are proven to be more attracted to red than any other color, and will buy red as a gift more often. So I made this necklace with the idea of men buying it for the women in their lives. Men like to obtain, not normally shop around. So I put it in my top featured items. I sell one of these necklaces to a man at nearly every show! I made it bold, yet feminine with the flowers inside the square. (men also like squares). I also made it simple to both go with many womans outfits. No silver spacers to confuse the matter. Just a great medium sized 6mm round red coral. I think the recipient of this necklace will always enjoy having a classic red accessory that can be worn with the neutrals ( blacks) that is in most wharedrobs. So she will wear it a lot, and make her "man" happy as he knows he accomplished buying her a gift she enjoys. The price is affordable for the craftmanship, yet at a price that is percieved as quality. No too cheap, not too expensive. Again the custom heart toggle. has been featured in a treasury or two.<br/><img alt='' src='http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.63569978.jpg' height='350' width='350'/><br/><br/><a href='http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21711994'>The next item</a> is for a younger demographic. The late teen to 35 crowd. The cost needs to be lower. I wanted it to be under $35.00 The cool "IN" theme is anything French, or Paris, and less of a beaded look but more of a fun cluster of charms off of a sterling chain. The Quality needs to look like they are buying perhaps their first piece of "real" jewelry. So I hunted down suppliers, finally having one make me the right findings I needed at the right price. Actually, may of my findings and beads are custom for me to provide the best quality at the right price. This has been featured in many treasurys. And we know that the people who are building treasurys are mostly under 35.</p><p><img alt='' src='http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.59531179.jpg' height='409' width='350'/><br/><br/><br/>The last is <a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/Elizabethjewelry?section_id=5947456'>my best seller</a>. I sell about 60 or so a month on etsy. I knew that every person who has pierced ears wanted a good all purpose everyday earring. Something that is just a tad more than a simple plain hoop or stud. Something they could put on one handed, with their school books or small kids in one hand. A safe earring that was not boring. I have sold this to all ages from 4 to 96.<br/>This is priced at an impulse buy price. Something they would buy just because they went to work without any earrings. They also tend to get worn a lot. These are the earrings that some people just live in. Some people really enjoy fancy earrings during most of the time, and need a more basic one for days off.<br/> It needed to be strong, sturdy and simple. They are polished, but with a little less than perfect finish, so they don't feel like the earrings cant be worn if they get a little tarnished over time. Many people tell me they have lived in them day and night for years!<br/><br/>This comes in 18 colors to appeal to everyone. Often someone will purchase one color only to put in "notes to seller" that they want a different color than the one pictured, as I tell them to look at my photo of many colors grouped together for them to pick from. I just love that. That the earring itself sold them, no matter what color. So the extra group photo really helps. I do add some pictures of my daughter wearing her pair so people can see what it looks like on a person.<br/><br/>This earring has also been picked by admin once to be on the front page. That really made my day!<br/><img alt='' src='http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.63351738.jpg' height='261' width='350'/></p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-893446146208055242009-11-13T09:18:00.001-08:002009-11-13T09:55:34.853-08:00FTEC Members at Modern Mouse <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src='http://images.postling.com/e/ed2/g_400xN.546.jpg' alt='' height='91' width='350'/></p><p>FTEC's member <a href='http://www.eleen.com'>Eleen</a> just recently opened a temporary gift shop called <a href='http://modernmouse.eleen.com'>Modern Mouse</a> in the <a href='http://www.alamedatownecentre.com/info/aboutUs.cfm'>Alameda Towne Centre</a>. Throughout the holiday season you will be able to see many<a href='http://modernmouse.eleen.com/meet-the-designers/'> fabulous Etsy designers'</a> works in person at Modern Mouse, including 13 members from FTEC --</p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/rachelaustin'>Rachel Austin</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.101830017.jpg' alt='' height='352' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/CricketsCreations'>Crickets Creations</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.100577989.jpg' alt='' height='247' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/eleen'>Eleen</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.93223305.jpg' alt='' height='350' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/prixprix'>Prix-Prix</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.100882788.jpg' alt='' height='350' width='350'/></p><p> </p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkquartzminerals'>PinkQuartz Minerals</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.97658906.jpg' alt='' height='387' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/girlscantell'>Girls Can Tell</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.92459665.jpg' alt='' height='233' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/monkeysalwayslook'>Monkeys Always Look</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.96230021.jpg' alt='' height='246' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/mpaperarts'>Mae Bee Jewelry </a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.88471468.jpg' alt='' height='372' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://muyinmolly.etsy.com'>Mu-Yin Jewelry</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.100261193.jpg' alt='' height='263' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/realisationcreations'>Realisation Creations</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.53118699.jpg' alt='' height='393' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/southpawstudios'>South Paw Studios</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.87059753.jpg' alt='' height='350' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/XOHandworks'>XO Handworks</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.99470586.jpg' alt='' height='316' width='350'/></p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/kfarrell'>Tinysaur</a></p><p><img src='http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.100619432.jpg' alt='' height='263' width='350'/></p><p> Modern Mouse is holding their grand opening on 11/14(Saturday). Join us for the fun!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-33589586408491532652009-11-10T23:57:00.001-08:002009-11-11T00:03:42.332-08:00Your Own Domain + Etsy <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><span style='color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic;'><a href='http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.100619432.jpg'><img src='http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.100619432.jpg' alt='' align='middle' border='0' width='350' height='263'/></a></span></p><p><span style='color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic;'>The following article was originally posted on our team member <a href='http://www.kellbot.com/2009/06/your-own-domain-etsy/'>kfarrell<font color='#3d81ee'>'s blog </font></a></span><span style='color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic;'><a href='http://www.kellbot.com/2009/06/your-own-domain-etsy/'>on July 16, 2009</a>. You can find cute "tinysaurs" in <a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/kfarrell?ga_search_query=kfarrell&amp;ga_search_type=seller_usernames'>Kelly's Etsy shop<font color='#3d81ee'>.</font></a><br/></span></p><p>I'm slowly purging all references to my Etsy shop from my business cards, ads, etc because I want more control over by branding. Although I don't have any short term plans to set up my own shopping cart I want to be a little more prepared if I <strong>do</strong> decide to.</p><p>I've set up http://shop.everythingtiny.com as a redirect to http://kfarrell.etsy.com and thought while I was at it I would write up instructions for how other folks can to - and on the super cheap. I've seen a bunch of places that charge a monthly or annual fee for domain forwarding. The cost of my setup is about $10/year <em>including</em> domain registration.</p><p><strong>Tools You'll Need</strong></p><ul> <li>A membership with <a href='http://www.nearlyfreespeech.net' onclick='javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(&apos;/outbound/article/www.nearlyfreespeech.net&apos;);'>NearlyFreeSpeech.Net</a>. If you know a little bit about what you're doing you can use this setup on *any* host, but for the sake of simplicity all my examples are on how to do this with NFSN.</li> <li>An FTP or SFTP client. I like to use <a href='http://filezilla-project.org/' onclick='javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(&apos;/outbound/article/filezilla-project.org&apos;);'>FileZilla</a>.</li> <li>A text editor. Notepad will work just fine.</li></ul><p><strong>If you don't already own a domain </strong>you can buy one through NearlyFreeSpeech.Net. It's a little less than $9/year for domain registration and unlike GoDaddy they won't spam you into getting a zillion of their other service. Deposit $10 into your NFSN account, purchase your domain name (it pulls from your account balance), and you're good to go.</p><p><strong>If you already have a domain name</strong> there will be a little extra configuration for you, but we'll get to that later.</p><p><strong>Setting up your site</strong></p><p>Ok, there is a tiny cost to setting up the forwarding. While NFSN doesn't charge any monthly fees for sites, they charge for storage (how big your site is) and bandwidth (how many gigabites of files your site sends to other people). Since you're just forwarding your visitors on to Etsy, both of these will be very very low. Extermely low. But nonetheless you'll need to make a small deposit into your NFSN account, $1 should be plenty.</p><p><strong>Creating your .htaccess file</strong></p><p>A .htaccess file is a special file that tells the server how to handle requests for your site. Open up a new file in your text editor and copy/paste the following:</p><p>RedirectTemp / http://yourshop.etsy.com/</p><p>Save the file to your hard drive with the name ".htaccess", making sure there is no file extension such as .txt.</p><p><strong>Upload the File to Your Site</strong></p><p>Open up your FTP client and connect to your site (the connection information can be found by logging into NFSN and clicking the 'sites' tab and then the name of your site.</p><p>When you connect you'll likely see a number of folders such as "logs" "private" and "public". Upload your .htaccess file into the public folder. If it has a file extension rename the file so it is just ".htaccess"</p><p><strong>Add Your Domain as an Alias</strong></p><p>To make your domain work with your site you need to add it as an alias. Go to the site information page and click "Add a New Alias" on the right. Enter the domain you wish to use. I.e. if you want "http://shop.everythingtiny.com" to go to your Etsy shop enter "shop.everythingtiny.com".</p><p>If you purchased your domain name through NFSN you're done! It may take 24 hours for everything to start working, so be patient if it doesn't seem to be doing anything right away. You can test to see if your redirect is working by going to http://yoursite.nfshost.com, where yoursite is the name of the site you created.</p><p><strong>If you purchased your domain elsewhere</strong></p><p>You'll need to add a record to your DNS to get things working. Check your registrar's documentation for "how to add a DNS record." Once you've figured it out, you'll want to add what's called a CNAME record. It will look something like:<br/><code>shop CNAME yoursite.nfshost.com.</code></p><p>Where "shop" is the subdomain you want to use (i.e. shop.everythingtiny.com) and yoursite is the name of your site at NFSN. The CNAME record may take a few hours to take effect.</p><p>Tada!</p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-79380757411919460702009-11-03T16:26:00.001-08:002009-11-03T16:26:13.516-08:00Our Saturday Market booth and life <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/Snemmx3rNWI/AAAAAAAAB0U/Xju0GSsfKW8/s1600-h/morninggals3.jpg'><img alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365940666187330914' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/Snemmx3rNWI/AAAAAAAAB0U/Xju0GSsfKW8/s320/morninggals3.jpg' align='middle' border='0' width='320' height='258'/></a></p><p><span style='font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);'>The following article was originally posted on our team member <a href='http://wiremom.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html'>nicholasandfelice's blog</a></span><span style='font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);'>on July 30, 2009. In this article Beck shares with us how she does her craft show displays at the Eugene Saturday Market.You can find their jewelry in <a href='http://nicholasandfelice.etsy.com'>Felice's Etsy shop.</a><br/></span></p><p>Most Saturdays for the past 18 years or so we have sold at the <a href='http://www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org/'>Eugene Saturday Market</a>. We have had our excellent reserved corner booth space on the corner of 8th and W Park Street across from the Farmers Marker for many years now that we earned by doing all those markets and getting the points. And being there when the very old couple finally decided to retire from their spot who had it previously. I imagine Nick and I will be hobbling on our canes too when we finally retire from that corner spot.Luckily Etsy has come along and changed our lives so that we don't have to be there every weekend, especially the ones that are brutally cold or hot. Now that we have Henry and Max, Nick stays home with the boys while I go to market by myself. (Until they are at least old enough to be somewhat helpful and not poop in their pants.That goes for Nick too.-just joking hun)It's a lovely hour long scenic drive on mostly back roads through the Willamette Valley from our home to Eugene. I start most Saturday mornings with my old timer marketeer vendor girlfriends and coffee. It is usually the highlight of my day. This year we revamped our Saturday Market booth display. We had been using the same display for more years than I can even remember.It is still basicly the same but we took off a whole top row of earrings so that I can now see over the top of the display and not be boxed in. We got rid of dud earrings that weren't really moving. We also got one of those new fangled light weight plastic folding tables instead of the super heavy plywood one we made back when we were young. <a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHTMn20HSI/AAAAAAAAB0M/Srh0163YTo8/s1600-h/booth1.jpg'><img alt='' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364300844985752866' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHTMn20HSI/AAAAAAAAB0M/Srh0163YTo8/s320/booth1.jpg' align='left' border='0' width='320' height='240'/></a> Those are hanging vases across the front top of the</p><p> </p><p>booth and we also have some on a display hanging on the other side of the booth. We love our EZ Up booth although I really think they should be called EZ Down as the process of getting those little metal buttons pushed into the top can require heroic efforts and leave me panting wiht exhaustion first thing in the morning.Taking them down is a breeze though. I replaced the old ratty purple background on the boards with a crisper off white muslin. It's really improved the visibility of the colored stone and glass jewelry. We still continue to use the method of having lace sewn on the bords in rows that the earrings hang off of. I can't take credit for the idea as we saw it in a store display in Santa Rosa about 20 years ago. But it works really well for us and we get lots of compliments on it from customers.</p><p><a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSr5fEDtI/AAAAAAAABzs/U4IeoqjWZNY/s1600-h/glassearngs2.jpg'><img style='width: 320px; height: 240px;' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364300282782289618' alt='' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSr5fEDtI/AAAAAAAABzs/U4IeoqjWZNY/s320/glassearngs2.jpg' border='0'/></a></p><p> </p><div><a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHS9tctRsI/AAAAAAAABz8/WWXaO4rqd60/s1600-h/aluminumear.jpg'><img style='width: 320px; height: 240px;' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364300588788827842' alt='' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHS9tctRsI/AAAAAAAABz8/WWXaO4rqd60/s320/aluminumear.jpg' border='0'/></a></div><div>The is the <a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=46069&amp;section_id=5019632'>Aluminum earrings </a>display board. Notice the signs above it say "Light Weight! REALLY! Pick them up!" "Light Weight Aluminum" "With Sterling Silver Earwires".</div><div>Perhaps the signs aren't large enough or bright enough but all day long I have customers say- "Wow those look really heavy . I couldn't wear those." And I say- "But they aren't. They are aluminum- pick them up and see."(with a pleasant smile of course.) "Oh my god they ARE light." and then they hand them to their disbelieving friend who says- "Wow, they are" as if I was lying when I made the sign or told them. Silly humans!</div><div><a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHS1B1owMI/AAAAAAAABz0/9GFbcJemr9g/s1600-h/customers.jpg'><img style='width: 320px; height: 240px;' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364300439643275458' alt='' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHS1B1owMI/AAAAAAAABz0/9GFbcJemr9g/s320/customers.jpg' border='0'/></a></div><div>The boards all slide off the display and fit into a suitcase. The display is made in two halves that clamp together in the back.</div><div><div><div><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSglAPdnI/AAAAAAAABzc/urawaQ_lTf4/s1600-h/legopendants.jpg'><img style='width: 320px; height: 258px;' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364300088305743474' alt='' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSglAPdnI/AAAAAAAABzc/urawaQ_lTf4/s320/legopendants.jpg' border='0'/></a></div><div>These are Henry's Lego pendants. He came up with the idea about a year ago. He told us where to drill the holes and then told me how to put the wire on it. We have Lego earrings too. They are a huge hit at the Saturday Market where so far no one else sells them. There are tons of people selling similar lego jewelry on Etsy though so we haven't added them to our shop. We have an ongoing debate about it.Someday when Etsy allows us extra shop sections we might add them.</div><div>Nick made the folding pendant displays out of aluminum. They also fold up nicely into a suitcase.He's so good like that!</div><div><a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSa4sYcJI/AAAAAAAABzU/P6RZwRz5iu4/s1600-h/mirrors.jpg'><img style='width: 320px; height: 240px;' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364299990511939730' alt='' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSa4sYcJI/AAAAAAAABzU/P6RZwRz5iu4/s320/mirrors.jpg' border='0'/></a></div><div>One of our ornamental mirror displays.</div><div>There is another one on the other side of the booth. The shawl pins/hair pins hang on that scarf next to it. It's funny how online they sell really well as shawl pins but in Eugene they are clearly hair pins.(And don't sell quite as well.)</div><div><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSTRl543I/AAAAAAAABzM/HXVUty-Q_mQ/s1600-h/ssearrings.jpg'><img style='width: 320px; height: 240px;' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364299859756704626' alt='' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSTRl543I/AAAAAAAABzM/HXVUty-Q_mQ/s320/ssearrings.jpg' border='0'/></a> We have price signs on the end of each row with an arrow pointing to the row under the price. After 20 something years selling at the market and craft shows we know customers want to see the price easily without asking. <div><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSMttXw7I/AAAAAAAABzE/x6wwggv5qNU/s1600-h/stonependants.jpg'><img style='width: 320px; height: 240px;' id='BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364299747045131186' alt='' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P99YAAmIZIc/SnHSMttXw7I/AAAAAAAABzE/x6wwggv5qNU/s320/stonependants.jpg' border='0'/></a> Assorted stone pendants. We don't sell most of these on Etsy because they are each so different due to the nature of stone and would require new photos for each one.That would mean raising the prices on them and more time which I don't have a lot of. All this stuff packs up in about a half hour into our trusty 95' Taurus wagon. Then I drive the hour home exhausted and get ready to keep up with my little hellions ( I mean sweet high energy boys) who still stay up way to late and get up much too early for any over 40 parent to endure.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-39453097913583450102009-10-13T20:14:00.001-07:002009-10-13T20:19:37.440-07:00Member Profile -- Prix-Prix <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p> </p><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><img alt='' src='http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.87756066.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300'/></div><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><img alt='' src='http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.87765755.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300'/></div><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><img alt='' src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/3026916184_36dd2f2165.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300'/></div><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'> </div><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><strong>Shop name</strong>:Prix-prix( Etsy ID:<a href='http://prixprix.etsy.com'>prixprix</a>) </div><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><strong>Category</strong>: accessories, jewelry, bags</div><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><strong>Specialty</strong>: <span class='il'>Prix</span>-<span class='il'>prix</span> specializes in recycled accessories made from vintage materials, such as necktie and suit wallets, plaid shirt wallets, and necktie necklaces. Many designs are one-of-a-kind due to their recycled nature. <span class='il'>Prix</span>-<span class='il'>prix</span> designs are functional and minimal in their construction, and tend to highlight the unique patterns of the reclaimed materials.</div><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><span style='font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;'><div style='margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;'><strong>Special offers</strong>: <span class='il'>Prix</span>-<span class='il'>prix</span> offers 10% off on all orders to FTEC team members. Mention the FTEC team at checkout.</div></span></div><p> </p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-92230366345422444392009-09-30T06:05:00.001-07:002009-09-30T07:48:12.273-07:00Meet Us Face to Face -- Part III <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>We finally got a few more pictures of the members for Part III !</p><p><img src='http://images.postling.com/1/154/g_fullxfull.395.jpg' alt='' height='350' width='350'/></p><p>Annie, aka <a href='http://anniehowes.etsy.com'>AnnieHowes</a></p><p><img src='http://images.postling.com/f/f8c/g_fullxfull.396.jpg' alt='' height='523' width='350'/></p><p>Molly, aka <a href='http://elizabethjewelry.etsy.com'>ElizabethJewelry</a> -- even tho she's very used to be called Elizabeth, it's actually her daughter's name. :)</p><p><img src='http://images.postling.com/8/816/g_400xN.401.jpg' alt='' height='463' width='350'/></p><p>Another jewelry designer-- Natalia,aka <a href='http://realisationcreations.etsy.com'>realisationcreations</a>, modeling her gorgeous necklace and earrings.</p><p><img alt='' src='http://images.postling.com/e/e46/g_400xN.397.jpg' height='385' width='350'/></p><p>Here's Jean-Marie, aka JM or <a href='http://daisycakessoap.etsy.com'>daisycakessoap</a>, serving us her gorgeous handmade soaps!</p><p><img src='http://images.postling.com/3/352/g_400xN.399.jpg' alt='' height='262' width='350'/></p><p>Cherylline, aka<a href='http://ileaiye.etsy.com'> ileaiye</a>. She's also the gorgeous model in her Etsy shop.</p><p><img src='http://images.postling.com/1/18d/g_400xN.400.jpg' alt='' height='345' width='350'/></p><p>Welcome to our new member Laura, aka <a href='http://prixprix.etsy.com'>Prixprix</a>.The photo is taken at a fair in Brooklyn this summer.Her dress matches those cool wallets perfectly.</p><p> </p><p> Finally, today's "freak of the day" picture.Are you ready?</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><img alt='' src='http://images.postling.com/b/b7b/g_400xN.398.jpg' height='277' width='350'/></p><p>Allison, aka <a href='http://monkeysalwayslook.etsy.com'>Monkeysalwayslook</a>, and Mr Vivian, the Archduke of Rolando Village. You guessed that right -- she is a proud vegan and animal lover!</p><p> </p><p>To meet more of our members, check out <a href='http://fulltimeetsycraftersteam.blogspot.com/2009/09/meet-us-face-to-face-part-i.html'>Part I</a> and <a href='http://fulltimeetsycraftersteam.blogspot.com/2009/09/meet-us-face-to-face-part-ii.html'>Part II</a> !</p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170035748777096475.post-72191460624311416512009-09-29T14:29:00.001-07:002009-09-29T14:29:56.030-07:00Front Page again! <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src='http://images.postling.com/f/f73/g_400xN.392.jpg' alt='' height='342' width='350'/></p><p>Another treasury on the FP featuring multiple FTEC members this afternoon!</p><p><a href='http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=69832'>"Silver lining in the Clouds of .. </a>", created by <a href='http://studioelan.etsy.com'>StudioElan</a></p><p>featured members--</p><p>top row: <a href='http://mudpuppy.etsy.com'>mudpuppy</a>(middle)</p><p>second row: <a href='http://ileaiye.etsy.com'>ileaiye</a>(middle)</p><p>third row(left to right): <a href='http://southpawstudios.etsy.com'>southpawstudios</a>,<a href='http://pinkquartzminerals.etsy.com'>pinkquartzminerals</a>,<a href='http://kittygrrlz.etsy.com'>kittygrrlz</a></p><p>bottom row: <a href='http://girlscantell.etsy.com'>girlscantell</a>(middle)</p><p> </p></div> full time etsy crafters teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14035200396194172938noreply@blogger.com0